The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a muscular training program on soccer players' performance which initially appeared imbalanced or bilaterally asymmetrical. During the preparation period, 35 soccer players... more
The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a muscular training program on soccer players' performance which initially appeared imbalanced or bilaterally asymmetrical. During the preparation period, 35 soccer players performed an isokinetic measurement of knee flexors and extensors (60°.−1 and 180°sec.−1). 15 of these had muscular imbalances or deficits and followed a specific isokinetic training program for 2 mo., 3 times per week. After the completion of the isokinetic training program, the 35 players underwent the same isokinetic test. Significant differences were noted between the pre- and posttraining measures at both angular velocities in peak torque values, in differences from one limb to the other, and in peak torque ratios for flexors and extensors. Consequently, the application of this specific isokinetic training program can restore imbalances in knee muscle strength efficiently.
Research Interests: Psychology, Cognitive Science, Skeletal muscle biology, Soccer, Medicine, and 14 morePhysical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, Teaching, Muscle strength, Humans, Strength Training, Movement, Female, Male, Exercise, Perceptual motor skills, Adult, Isokinetic exercise, and physical strength
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BACKROUND New training methods are constantly used to improve the ability of skeletal muscles to develop strength. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of half-squat training with free weights and flywheel... more
BACKROUND New training methods are constantly used to improve the ability of skeletal muscles to develop strength. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of half-squat training with free weights and flywheel device on isokinetic knee muscle strength for well-trained amateur soccer players. METHODS Forty eight players were randomly divided into three groups (n= 16 each): Desmotech Training group (DT), Free Weight Training group (WT) and one Control Group (CON). DT and WT performed an eight-week half-squat training program, with two sessions per week. The DT group performed training with a flywheel device. Isokinetic concentric-eccentric strength assessments of the knee extensors-flexors muscle groups were performed at different angular velocities (60, 180 and 240∘/s). RESULTS The eight-week training program improved all the isokinetic joint moment indicators examined in the DT and WT groups (p< 0.01). The DT group achieved higher performances at all the isokinetic parameters examined, however, without statistically significant differences to the WT group. CONCLUSIONS Flywheel-based exercise is an effective training method and is suggested to be used to strengthen the lower limbs of soccer players.
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The aim of the present study was to evaluate balance deficits after an ankle sprain in collegiate students and to examine the effectiveness of 2 different balance rehabilitation programs on balance ability. Thirty collegiate students with... more
The aim of the present study was to evaluate balance deficits after an ankle sprain in collegiate students and to examine the effectiveness of 2 different balance rehabilitation programs on balance ability. Thirty collegiate students with functional ankle instability were randomly divided into 2 groups. Both groups followed an intervention balance program for 6 weeks, 3 times per week, 20 minutes per session, using balance boards. One of the 2 training groups performed the exercises on the ground—the “Land” group ( n = 15), and the other in a swimming pool—the “Aquatic” group ( n = 15). Balance ability was assessed before and after the 6-week intervention program. Balance assessments included static (stability indices: total, anterior–posterior, medial–lateral) and dynamic (dynamic moving the cursor) stability tests on the Biodex Stability System (Biodex, Inc, Shirley, NY). The results showed that in both training groups balance ability of the injured leg was significantly improved after the training period. In the final measurements, no statistically significant differences between the injured and healthy limb were found. The present study indicates that the performance of balance exercises in or out of water by collegiate students with functional ankle instability improves their balance ability. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level 1
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The aim was to assess whether balance training would improve downhill skiing for 30 physical education students who had no previous skiing experience and were randomly assigned to two groups. The control group attended only ski lessons... more
The aim was to assess whether balance training would improve downhill skiing for 30 physical education students who had no previous skiing experience and were randomly assigned to two groups. The control group attended only ski lessons for two weeks, 2 to 4 hours daily. The experimental group attended downhill ski lessons and indoor balance training on a balance board, wearing ski boots, for 20 min. every second day in the afternoon. All participants before training completed a balance assessment (stability indices). After the completion of the ski classes, all repeated the balance assessment and two downhill ski tests of agility, slalom and snowploughing techniques. Analysis of variance with repeated measures showed both groups improved balance similarly, but the experimental group performed significantly better on the downhill-slalom agility test, so the specific indoor balance training was helpful.
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in the following collection(s): This article, along with others on similar topics, appears E-mail alerts to receive free e-mail alerts hereSign up corrections and replace the original author manuscript.: edited and typeset versions of... more
in the following collection(s): This article, along with others on similar topics, appears E-mail alerts to receive free e-mail alerts hereSign up corrections and replace the original author manuscript.: edited and typeset versions of articles that incorporate any authorPage proofs readers almost immediate access to accepted papers. PTJaccepted for publication but have not yet been copyedited or typeset. This allows: PDF versions of manuscripts that have been peer-reviewed andAuthor manuscripts publishes 2 types of Online First articles: PTJ). PTJ (Physical Therapy Online First articles are published online before they appear in a regular issue of by guest on May 10,
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GoFit (Go Functional Improvement and Tourism) program was conceived as an educational tool for experts in sport and exercise science. Its goal is to teach experts important skills to support tourists on the development of healthy habits... more
GoFit (Go Functional Improvement and Tourism) program was conceived as an educational tool for experts in sport and exercise science. Its goal is to teach experts important skills to support tourists on the development of healthy habits when they are less busy and more open to suggestions over adapting new healthier habits. The GO Functional Improvement & Tourism (GO FIT) project addresses the gap in learning programs between HEI’s exercise and health experts with both educational and clinical expertise in collaboration with tourism manager’s specialists. The authors discuss the way the GO FIT project is conceived and designed so as to develop a new learning program, by using Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) through the development of a web platform and a multimedia application. This transdisciplinary approach for exercise, health and tourism experts aims to achieve relevant and high quality skills and competences in designing the appropriate program for tourists an...
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The objective of this research is to investigate the innovative factors and their effect on maximizing the efficiency of the services provided by the hotel accommodation. This paper is a literature review about hotel innovation. There is... more
The objective of this research is to investigate the innovative factors and their effect on maximizing the efficiency of the services provided by the hotel accommodation. This paper is a literature review about hotel innovation. There is an urgent need to provide a unique differentiation of hotel products and examine the added value by providing innovative ideas to services to improve tourist experience. This paper is an introduction of new innovative ideas for further research and development of issues related to hotel services. The competitive environment is increasing and the solution for hotels is to be competitive and work under a systematic strategic using innovative ideas and create personal products for each customer for a unique stay. Being different and competitive is not only an idea but a choice to succeed.
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Background:Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)1is a common surgical treatment for severe knee Osteoarthritis (OA)2, which generally improves pain, physical function, quality of life and possibly fall risk. Fall risk increases for older adults... more
Background:Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)1is a common surgical treatment for severe knee Osteoarthritis (OA)2, which generally improves pain, physical function, quality of life and possibly fall risk. Fall risk increases for older adults with severe knee OA; however it has not been studied extensively whether this parameter is improved after TKA.Objective:To investigate: a) the history and frequency of falls, including mechanism or causes of falls, injuries sustained from falls reported, activity during falling and location of falls and, b) the factors affecting falls, a year after TKA in elderly patients with severe knee OA.Patients and Method:An observational prospective longitudinal study of 68 patients (11 males and 57 females) was conducted. The frequency of falls was recorded every month after knee replacement for a year period. A year after the TKA patients completed self-administered questionnaires (SF-36, Womac, FOF, ABC, PASE) and were assessed in physical performance tests...
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Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine parental perceptions about Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of typical education and special education students in Greece. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) was... more
Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine parental perceptions about Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of typical education and special education students in Greece. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) was administered to the parents of 251 children from typical schools, 46 students attending integration classes (IC) within a typical school and 97 students attending special education (segregated) schools. A two-way analysis of covariance indicated that, compared to their typically developing peers, children attending special education schools and IC were reported by their parents to have lower PedsQL scores. Compared to children attending special education schools, children attending IC showed no differences in all PedsQL domains but the emotional domain score (p < .05). Based on parents’ responses, further improvements in special education settings and environments in the Greek educational system might be necessary to improve the HRQOL of students with disabilities.
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There is limited information on injury patterns in Step Aerobic Instructors (SAI) who exclusively execute "step" aerobic classes. To record the type and the anatomical position in relation to diagnosis of muscular skeletal... more
There is limited information on injury patterns in Step Aerobic Instructors (SAI) who exclusively execute "step" aerobic classes. To record the type and the anatomical position in relation to diagnosis of muscular skeletal injuries in step aerobic instructors. Also, to analyse the days of absence due to chronic injury in relation to weekly working hours, height of the step platform, working experience and working surface and footwear during the step class. The Step Aerobic Instructors Injuries Questionnaire was developed, and then validity and reliability indices were calculated. 63 SAI completed the questionnaire. For the statistical analysis of the data, the method used was the analysis of frequencies, the non-parametric test χ<formula>^{2}</formula> (chi square distribution), correlation and linear and logistic regressions analysis from the SPSS statistical package. 63 SAI reported 115 injuries that required more than 2 days absence from step aerobic classes...
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The partial meniscectomy leads to proprioceptive knee deficits in a short period after the arthroscopic procedure; however, to our knowledge, a limited number of studies have investigated the long-term outcomes of partial meniscectomy on... more
The partial meniscectomy leads to proprioceptive knee deficits in a short period after the arthroscopic procedure; however, to our knowledge, a limited number of studies have investigated the long-term outcomes of partial meniscectomy on the knee joint proprioception. The aim of the present study was to assess the proprioception and muscle function of the partial meniscectomized knee through balance and functional tests 1-2 years posterior to arthroscopic surgery. This was an observational study. Partially meniscectomized persons after 1-2 years. Twenty-six male patients who had an arthroscopic partial meniscectomy at the age between 20-40. All patients performed balance (Biodex Stability System and balance boards) and functional (triple jump) tests. On the balance system the deviations from the horizontal plane were recorded, on the balance boards their performance was timed, and on the functional test triple jump their performance was recorded in meters. One-way Anova was used to ...
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Research Interests: Endocrinology, Biomedical Engineering, Anthropometry, Inflammation, Exercise therapy, and 15 moreHumans, Internal Medicine, Female, Glutathione Peroxidase, Body Mass Index, Creatine Kinase, Clinical Sciences, Aged, C reactive protein, Cross Sectional Studies, Antioxidant Status, Interleukin, Isometric Contraction, human skeletal muscle, and Inflammation Mediators
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To determine the time course of performance responses after an acute bout of plyometric exercise combined with high and low intensity weight training, a 3-group (including a control group), repeated-measures design was employed. Changes... more
To determine the time course of performance responses after an acute bout of plyometric exercise combined with high and low intensity weight training, a 3-group (including a control group), repeated-measures design was employed. Changes in performance were monitored through jumping ability by measuring countermovement and squat jumping, and strength performance assessment through isometric and isokinetic testing of knee extensors (at two different velocities). Participants in both experimental groups performed a plyometric protocol consisting of 50 jumps over 50 cm hurdles and 50 drop jumps from a 50 cm plyometric box. Additionally, each group performed two basic weight exercises consisting of leg presses and leg extensions at 90-95% of maximum muscle strength for the high intensity group and 60% of maximum muscle strength for the low intensity group. The results of the study suggest that an acute bout of intense plyometric exercise combined with weight exercise induces time-dependent changes in performance, which are also dependent on the nature of exercise protocol and testing procedures. In conclusion, acute plyometric exercise with weight exercise may induce a substantial decline in jumping performance for as long as 72 hours but not in other forms of muscle strength.